What other options do I have besides at epidural during delivery?

Question

I've done a lot of research on epidurals, and although they can provide great pain relieve, they can prolong labor and increase your risk of a c-section and epistotomy. What can I take for pain relief? I've heard Demerol is the best.

Answer 1

Do it all natural! I had every one of my four children without so much as a tylanol for pain. Its painful but if you can keep yourself in the right frame of mind you can bare the pain. Women have done it for years and still continue to.

Answer 2

There are lots of options for you. I applaud you for actually researching epidurals! I did not have one with either of my labours because of the risks. I hear of way way too many people having the prolonged labours and c-sections following an epidural.

I personally had Pethedine (i'm in aus, don't know what you call it) and although it has its own risks, like causing drowsiness, I felt it was better for both of us than the epidural.
It also has the added benefit of speeding labour and dilation up if you have it at about 7cm or so.

You can also try Gas and Air or hot showers and heat packs. You could also look into the TENS machine which gives little shocks into your body to stimulate endorphins which are the bodies natural way of combatting pain.

Speaking to your doctor or midwives and letting them know what you want and finding out your options is going to be your best bet. Letting them know ahead of time that you may not want an epidural will give them other options to offer you when the time comes. Don't wait for them to ask you during labour if you want pain relief. Sometimes they will wait for you to speak up which is a bit hard when your writhing around on the bed in active labour!

I think that Pethedine coupled with hot showers, heat packs and good old endorphins, is the best way for a natural labour and easier on mum and baby is the long run.

Best of luck

Answer 3

There are a few different IV meds available. It's best to talk over your options with your doctor. The IV meds will not stop the pain but will make it manageable. Your best bet is to make sure you go in with pain management techniques. Back rubs are good as well as a warm bath, changing positions, and relaxation. You might also look into hypnobirthing.

I have decided not to have an epidural for the same reason so am using a midwife and planning a water birth if everything goes as planned. Another thing to look into is hiring a doula, they can be helpful.

Answer 4

You don't need drugs at all if you really don't want them. They do affect your baby (make him/her tired and not want to nurse) and they affect you like any pain relief drugs would. You can try one of several methods including Hypnobirthing, Bradley and Lamaze, all of which advocate drug-free birth through support and natural methods. Water is often considered the best pain relief. A bath or even shower can make you feel a whole lot better and make the contractions more bearable. There is also acupressure, a birth ball and simply moving around finding a comfortable position, whether that's standing, sitting, kneeling or squatting.

Any kind of intervention, including pain relief (whether epidural, spinal or IV) can lead to more interventions (epidural comes with an automatic urine catheter, IV fluids and blood pressure cuff) and ultimately leads to a higher chance of labor ending in a cesarean. Look into natural ways to deal with contractions, you don't need to be drugged up and you will feel much better more quickly if you don't have to "recover" from narcotic painkillers.

Read "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth," "Birthing from Within" by Pam England, "The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth,"or "Gentle Birth Choices" by Barbara Harper. These are all great books on natural childbirth. Good luck.

Answer 5

There is demerol, moriphine, laughing gas, salene injections for back labour. I can't tell you about any of them though because I had my daughter naturally. I would really recommend this if you have a good coach or friend or family member that can talk you through it and keep you focused on your breathing. You can do anything you put your mind to doing. I'm not going to lie.....it hurt but it was really quick and you become so focused on what you are doing that you tend to block the pain out. Good luck and do what you feel that you need to do to get that baby into the world safely.

Answer 6

There are several different option. This is something that you should talk to your Doctor about because different hospitals offer different things. In fact...one of the hospitals near me does not even offer an epidural.

* On a personal note...I highly recomend an epidural. I had a fabulous experience with mine. I was able to be relaxed and in control during labor, instead of miserable and afraid. My baby had no negative side effects and my labor and delivery were easy and pain free. Obviously your choice...just thought I would share my experience. Best of luck to you.

Answer 7

Definitely talk with your doctor about different options. This is an issue I'm discussing with my doctor at my next visit. I'm really interested in the walking epidural.

I'm certainly getting some kind of pain relief though. This isn't the middle ages, I see no reason to hurt more than I need to, I don't feel the need to be superwoman and suffer through terrible pain to prove something.

I mean, good for women who feel like they can do it naturally, but don't let anyone make you feel like you have to or like you're a bad mother if you don't. I've had so many people pull that crap on me, it's sooooo obnoxious.

Answer 8

Have you considered no medications? I will not lie to you...it's not fun and there is pain involoved, but you CAN handle it and you CAN do it! The benifits for you and baby far out weigh the relief the drugs will give you.

My son was nearly 10 lbs...was at the hospital for over 12 hours in labor. After he was born I was up within an hour taking a shower! I was also up most of my labor walking my room...the halls, etc...

You have to do what is best for you, but at least look into your options if you don't use medications. There are things you can do to relieve the pain and stress while in labor.

Good luck and congrats on your baby!

Answer 9

I personally had two epidurals and my sister in law had 3 and we didn't have any problems at all. Neither of us needed to have an epistotomy. Now my Lil sister had her baby and used no pain relief at all and she wound up with an epistotomy and more pain than I care to discuss.

I have heard that Demerol does in fact make your baby drowsy and can cause more harm than good. Just be careful!

The best advice I can give to you is to talk to your OB and tell him/her your concerns and see what he/she can suggest for you.

Good luck on that up and coming Lil one. I wish you, your family and that baby all the best in the world!!

Answer 10

I had Nubian ( i think that is how you spell it), and it was great!!! Lot of people says it dont help them but it did me and I loved it. You can still feel the pain but it takes the edge off so its not as bad. Good luck on what ever you decided:)